Reveel’s 2025 Parcel Shipping Intelligence Survey reveals a logistics landscape shaped by inflation, rising complexity, and pressure to control transportation spend. Amid the disruption, top performers are leaning into visibility, adaptability, and technology to drive better outcomes.
We surveyed over 150 shipping and operations leaders to understand how they are navigating change and where they are finding measurable savings. The results point to four standout strategies.
Key Finding #1: Packaging Optimization Delivers Top ROI
Among all tactics to reduce parcel costs, packaging optimization ranked highest. Over 60% of respondents who focused on reducing box sizes or minimizing dunnage saw stronger savings than those relying on contract negotiations alone. With carriers prioritizing dimensional weight and truck efficiency, right-sized packaging not only lowers costs but strengthens carrier relationships.
Key Finding #2: Surcharges Quietly Kill Margins
While base rate increases dominate headlines, it is the surcharges that quietly impact margins. Nearly 40% of shippers underestimated how much fees like residential delivery, address corrections, and fuel surcharges were costing them. High-performing companies are using data to identify surcharge hot spots and apply controls, especially as surcharge categories continue to evolve.
Key Finding #3: Finance is Now at the Table
Parcel decisions are increasingly financial decisions. Finance leaders want real-time accruals, SKU-level cost allocation, and forecasting based on actual shipping behavior. Teams that can integrate parcel data directly into financial workflows are moving faster and gaining more control. Those limited to invoice snapshots and spreadsheets are struggling to keep up with executive demands for cost clarity.
Key Finding #4: Prescriptive Analytics is the New Standard
Reporting is no longer enough. Leaders want insight with context and clear guidance on what actions to take. More than 60% of respondents said they are investing in prescriptive analytics, real-time modeling, and decision support tools. The ability to simulate contract changes, compare service levels, or project future spend is becoming essential for navigating today’s parcel landscape.
At Reveel, we empower shippers to act on their data through innovations like contract simulation, surcharge control, and finance automation. Our platform helps organizations go beyond visibility and into real savings and smarter decision-making.
Download the full report for all data findings and strategic recommendations:
https://hubs.la/Q03zhfYw0
Jack McCrum is Director of Optimization & Analytics at Reveel, the leader in Parcel Shipping Intelligence. Reveel empowers shippers to unlock savings through contract optimization, prescriptive analytics, and action-driven insights. Serving clients from high-growth eCommerce brands to Fortune 500 manufacturers, Reveel delivers an average of 22% parcel cost reduction. Learn more at reveelgroup.com.
